A Burmese Journey - From the Lanna Kingdom to the Bay of Bengal (17 Days) We love road journeys. They are by far our favourite way of traveling. We think the world of western China and the countries that border on this region – think Vietnam, Lao, Thailand, Burma, for example.
On the Road Experiences is all about sharing with like-minded travelers just how beautiful a road journey in these varied lands can be. Now turn the page to find out what we’ve come to love so much…
p2 p3 Itinerary Map …where you will travel… p. 006 Yes, it is possible… p. 008 Journey of Discovery… p. 010 Day-by-day… p. 078
In closing... Any car you like, so long as it is an SUV… p. 103 Adventures and discoveries in local cuisines p. 104 What’s included/Best Months to Go... p. 106
Photo credits p. 109 p5 Itinerary Map Day1 Day9 Arrive in Chiang Mai – Preparing Pindaya to Mandalay – Leave for your journey the Shan Plateau behind as you approach Burma’s last royal capital Day2 Chiang Mai to Mae Sot – Cruise Day10 along excellent Thai highways and a In and around Mandalay – Explore mountainous road to the Burmese the many sights of Mandalay border Day11 Day3 Mandalay to Mount Popa – Drive Mae Sot to Hpa An – Cross the past small villages to the most border and enjoy a scenic drive to important Nat pilgrimage site the capital of Kayin State Day12 Day4 Mount Popa to Bagan – Visit a In and around Hpa An – Explore local village and learn how to make Hpa An’s beautiful surroundings thanaka on the way to Bagan
Day5 Day13 Hpa An to Taungoo – Back roads In and around Bagan – Visit the through striking mountain scenery, most significant temples of Bagan then on the “highway” north Day14 Day6 Bagan to Magwe – Cross the Taungoo to Inle Lake – On Irrawaddy and stop at some of the gorgeous backroads across the region’s hidden temples Shan Plateau to Inle Lake Day15 Short Itinerary: Arrive in Yangon and Magwe to Pyay – A beautiful drive fly to Inle Lake to meet the group for through rural scenery – past ox dinner carts and cotton plantations
Day7 Day16 In and around Inle Lake – Float Pyay to Ngapali – Travel on across the serene waters of Inle winding roads across the Rakhine Lake mountain range
Day8 Day17 Inle Lake to Pindaya – Travel to the Ngapali – Back to real life? Or p6 pleasant lakeside town of Pindaya linger here awhile longer? Yes, it is possible...
A driving holiday in this part of the world is indeed possible. We take care of everything. All you need to do is come, drive and enjoy a rare adventure!
A Burmese Journey – From the Lanna Kingdom to the Bay of Bengal is a discovery of the Golden Land’s beautiful scenery and traditions. This spectacular itinerary will take you from Chiang Mai, Thailand, former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom via the Mae Sot/Myawaddy border to Burma. You will drive through striking mountain scenery in Kayin State, before reaching Taungoo. Swinging east through the Shan mountains to Inle Lake, you will witness the famous leg-rowing technique of the lake’s fishermen. From rural Pindaya you will enter the plains of the Mandalay Division, the pilgrimage site of Mount Popa and the magical temple-strewn landscape of Bagan. Join a “hidden temple safari” on your way to Magwe on remote country roads on the west bank of the Irrawaddy – the police might follow you, as not many foreigners have been seen here! After Pyay, an important trading centre during the Bagan era you’ll finish your drive though the Rakhine mountains and then unwind on the beach at Ngapali, looking out at the Bay of Bengal, where long, tranquil stretches of white sandy beaches and azure waters await.
Join this spectacular journey and discover a country, which has kept its traditions and welcomes you every day with something different.
On the Road Experiences has paved the way for you to cross borders in your own properly insured SUV, so that you can enjoy the romance of a classic overland journey without any of the logistical headaches that typically accompany such journeys...
p8 p9 p11 A BEAUTIFUL HOTEL right by Chiang Mai’s NIGHT MARKET… a wonderful way to start the journey...”
The Anantara Chiang Mai p13 WELCOME on the ROAD in BURMA…”
Road from Myawaddy to Hpa An p15 HPA An sits on the eastern bank of the THANLWIN also known as SALWEEN RIVER …”
Welcome to Hpa An p17 Many of the DRAMATIC KARST MOUNTAINS surrounding Hpa An contain LARGE and RELIGIOUSLY significant caves…”
Kaw Goon Cave, Hpa An p19 A LODGE in the middle of NOWHERE…”
Hpa An Lodge p21 The 587km long EXPRESSWAY connects YANGON with MANDALAY…”
Burma’s Highway p23 Your hotel in one of many FORMER CAPITALS of Burma…”
Taungoo, the Royal Kayatumadi Hotel p25 On BACKROADS along REMOTE villages and countryside…”
Through the Shan mountain range to Inle Lake p27 PAGODAS are everywhere in Burma, sometimes in UNUSUAL PLACES...”
Winding your way through the Shan mountain range… p29 FARMING is the main income for most villagers...”
Scenery close to Inle Lake p31 In addition to FISHING, the Intha people GROW vegetables and fruit in large gardens that FLOAT on the surface of the lake...”
Floating garden at Inle Lake p33 PA-OH people WASHING their cloths at the lake...”
Typical village life at Inle Lake p35 The villages of the INTHA people across the lake are wooden houses BUILT HIGH on STILTS...”
Typical stilt house at Inle Lake p37 BURMESE MARIONETTES are all string operated and are a POPULAR ART in Burma...”
Nyaung Shwe Market near Inle Lake p39 COWS are a COMMON SIGHT on Burma’s roads...”
On the way to Pindaya p41 The idyllic town of PINDAYA is situated at Pone Taloke Lake...”
The small town of Pindaya p43 This massive limestone CAVERN is filled with OVER 8,000 gilded BUDDHA STATUES...”
Shwe Oo Min Natural Cave Pagoda, Pindaya p45 MONK feeding is A COMMON sight...”
Monks rely on offerings from locals p47 A BEAUTIFUL 1.2km structure built from TEAK PLANKS...”
U-Bein Bridge, Mandalay p49 MONKS come in all SHAPES and SIZES...”
On the way to Mount Popa p51 OXCARTS are used to carry PASSENGERS, BUNDLES OF HAY, BAMBOO CANES and more...”
On the way to Mount Popa p53 Young PRINCES before TASTING the lives of MONKS...”
The novitiation ceremony is one of the most important events in a Buddhist’s life in Burma p55 An EXTINCT VOLCANO regarded as Burma’s Mount Olympus, in which SPRITS called NATS reside...”
The famous Popa Taungkalat monastery p57 TEMPLES and PAGODAS wherever you LOOK...it takes your BREATH AWAY...”
Bagan in central Burma is one of the world’s greatest archeological sites p59 WATER plays an IMPORTANT ROLE in peoples life...”
The road from Bagan to Magwe p61 Enjoy a DRINK while watching the SUNSET over the IRRAWADDY...”
The Irrawaddy p63 A GIANT seated Buddha, sits eye-to-eye with the Shwesandaw Paya and WATCHING over it...”
Sehtatgyi Paya in Pyay p65 NARROW LANES... across the RAKHINE mountain range...”
The road to Ngapali p67 HAPPY children welcome you at their SCHOOL ...”
A school visit p69 FERTILE PLAINS around Thandwe...”
Area around Thandwe p71 A BEACH PARADISE almost for yourself...”
Ngapali Beach p73 The PERFECT location to end the JOURNEY...”
Ngapali Bay Villas p75 A SUNSET by the OCEAN...filled with MEMORIES of the JOURNEY...”
The Bay to Bengal p77 p79 Day 1 Day 2 Sitting astride the border itself, Preparing for your Cruise along excellent Mae Sot has developed into an Driving Distance & Duration important trading centre and Driving Distance & Duration journey Thai highways and a many ethnic groups visit the Distance: NA mountainous road to town to trade: Thais, Chinese, Distance: 350 km Burmese, Karen, Hmong Arrive in Chiang Mai according Duration: NA the Burmese border Duration: 7 hours to your own arrangements. and other mountain peoples. The town is also known for We will meet you at the airport Welcome to the road! Today Elevation its substantial population of Elevation and transfer you to your hotel. we make the journey to the Highest Daytime: 310m Burmese border at Mae Sot. Burmese migrants and Kayin Highest Daytime: 800m Chiang Mai’s walled city center refugees. retains a small-town feel and Overnight: 310m The first 280km south from Overnight: 200m Chiang Mai to Tak will be on houses numerous historical Once we have checked into excellent Thai highways. From temples and attractions within our hotel, the hotel is nothing Hotel Tak to Mae Sot we continue our special but really best in town, Hotel walking distance of each other. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort journey on Highway 105, which you will have some time to Centara Hill Resort, Mae Sot Explore the town on foot before swoops its way through hills wonder around the town before enjoying a group dinner in a (*****) and forests that abut the border. dinner in a local restaurant. (****) lovely restaurant and joining our safety briefing.
p80 p81 Day 3 Cross the border and enjoy a scenic drive to the capital of Kayin State
Today we will cross the border still very pleasant to drive. It enjoying the view of Mount into Burma. The border post is will lead us through villages Zwekabin. In the early evening just a few minutes away from and rubber plantations towards we will drive to the Kyauk our hotel. the limestone karst mountains Kalap monastery, standing surrounding Hpa-An, Kayin proud in the middle of a small We have prepared such that State’s laidback capital. lake, a tall finger of sheer rock Driving Distance & Duration the border formalities ought to mounted by one of the most Distance: 140 km go smoothly, but they will take Depending on the ease of our unlikely pagodas in Burma. Duration: 5 hours some time nonetheless: here border crossing, we will have The rock offers great views of in South-East Asia, driving our first Burmese meal in the surrounding countryside Elevation across international borders is Hpa-An before checking into and is the best place to see Highest Daytime: 700m still an uncommon event, and a beautiful lodge in a peaceful the sunset over the Zwekabin captures some of the romance location. Spend the afternoon mountain. Overnight: 20m of overland travel in days gone relaxing by the hotel pool by. Hotel Hpa-An Lodge (****) Once we have entered Burma we will drive on a very well- paved road from Myawaddy to Karaweik. This new road was financed by the Thai government, hence its good condition.
From Karaweik onwards the road is not as smooth but is p83 Day 4 Explore Hpa An’s beautiful surroundings
Today is a day to ease into the in Hpa An. Buddhist imagery Burmese lifestyle and to relax can be seen scaling the walls before the next two days’ long of the cave, the carvings drives. rising onto the ceiling itself in some sections. The details Enjoy a day at the lodge or start of Kawgun Cave’s origins your day with an adventure and are hazy, but it is generally climb Mount Zwekabin which believed, the temple cave was has a lot of beautiful sceneries commissioned by a Mon Queen Driving Distance & Duration along the way up awaits with in the 7th century, so it is a spectacular views from the top. sacred site for the ethnic Mon Depending on your chosen to come here and worship. activity Or join us for a drive across the Salveen River to visit Kawgun In the evening we enjoy a local Cave, the most stunning one dinner. Elevation out of the many sacred caves Highest Daytime: 20m - 700m Overnight: 20m
Hotel Hpa-An Lodge, Hpa-An (****)
p84 Day 5 Kayin and Mon being just two Day 6 and the drive after lunch will Back roads through of Burma’s 135 ethnic groups. take us to the small town Driving Distance & Duration On gorgeous of Pinlaung. From here it is striking mountain After lunch we will join the Driving Distance & Duration highway and head north Distance: 380 km backroad across another two hours of driving Distance: 330 km scenery, then take the to Inle Lake, where we arrive towards central Burma. A Duration: 9 hours the Shan Plateau to Duration: 9-10 hours “highway” north drive of around three hours just in time to see sunset over will bring us to the town of Inle Lake the lake. Dinner will be at the Elevation hotel. Today we have the first of this Taungoo, dynastic home of the Today is the second long Elevation Taungoo dynasty, which ruled journey’s three long drives Highest Daytime: 500m driving day. A stretch of Highest Daytime: 1600m the country between the 16th Short Itinerary: ahead of us. The first part will highway will take us from and 18th centuries. Taungoo Overnight: 56m For this itinerary you need Overnight: 884m be on country roads before we Taungoo to Naypyitaw, Burma’s itself was capital of Burma in to arrive in Yangon not later join Burma’s highway, which capital since 2005. Past fortunately also has a rural feel 1510–1539 and 1551–1552. Hotel than 11.30am in order to catch Naypyitaw back roads will take Hotel to it. the afternoon flight to Inle Our hotel is situated on the Hotel Royal Kaytumadi, us to Inle Lake. Inle Princess Hotel, Inle Lake Lake (Heho airport). If you After breakfast we set out western edge of the Royal Taungoo (****) are already in Yangon, we can (****) across the Salween River Lake. Enjoy the sunset and a Once we get on the back road arrange the airport transfer for and drive on a beautiful road stroll around the lake before that winds its way through dinner. you. After your flight to Heho, through striking limestone the Shan mountains, we will you will be brought to the hotel karst scenery, crossing from be passing through a region were you meet the rest of the Kayin State into Mon State – that sees few other travellers. group for dinner. Until March 2015 this road was only accessible with a special permit. Even now tourist traffic stays on the main road – while the rural scenery is wonderful this also means that the infrastructure is basic and good restaurant are hard to find. We have made friends with a local family running a small restaurant where we will enjoy a simple lunch. The road winds further through the eastern Shan Plateau p86 p87 Day 7 anchored by bamboo poles. These gardens rise and fall Float across the with changes in the water serene waters of level, and so are resistant to Inle Lake flooding. After a delicious, traditional Today you have time to explore ethnic Inthar lunch in the Inle Lake by longtail boat. A middle of the lake, we will visit wonderful watery world of Inthein village on the lake’s floating gardens, stilt-top western shore, where you villages and crumbling stupas will find a staircase leading Driving Distance & Duration awaits you. We will suggest a to the hidden Inthein Pagoda route for you and of course will Depending on your chosen complex. join you on this tour, but if you activity prefer to go on your own with In the evening we return to the your own boat and boatman or Elevation hotel for dinner. relax at the hotel you can do Highest Daytime: 850m so. Overnight: 850m
Setting out in the early Hotel morning, the boatmen will Inle Princess Hotel, Inle Lake pick us up from the hotel pier. (****) The day will not only include stops to see Inle’s famous leg rowers, stilt villages and magnificent scenery but also at the lake’s floating gardens. In addition to fishing, locals grow vegetables and fruit in gardens that float on the surface of the lake. The farmers gather weeds from the deeper parts of the lake and bring them back to make floating flowerbeds p89 Day 8 Pindaya Cave. Every nook and Day 9 After a local lunch in the Travel to the pleasant cranny in the cave is crammed Leave the Shan mountains we will come to the with Buddha images and statues. Driving Distance & Duration small town of Kyaukse, from Driving Distance & Duration lakeside town of The floor of the cave is studded Plateau behind as you here it takes only an hour to Distance: 95 km Distance: 202 km with stalagmites and pagodas, drive in to Mandalay. Pindaya Duration: 2-3 hours approach Burma’s with stalactites hanging from the last royal capital Duration: 7 hours Today’s drive is relatively short, cave roof. Mandalay is Burma’s second and we will be able to take it Elevation Today’s drive from Pindaya biggest city with a population Elevation slowly in order to enjoy the Tonight’s dinner will be at the Highest Daytime: 1200m to Mandalay is highly scenic. of roughly one million and the Highest Daytime: 1500m region’s spectacular scenery. charming hotel restaurant. Overnight: 1200m Multi-colored fields, village traffic can be dense. Please be Before departing for Pindaya, live, buffalo cowboys, orange aware of the many motorcycles Overnight: 21m we will visit a colorful local Hotel orchards, bullock carts loaded and drive very slow and careful. market in Nyaungshwe, where Pindaya Inle Inn, Pindaya (***) with cabbages and rolling pine- After a brief stop at our hotel Hotel hill tribes come to sell fruit and clad hills make it an interesting we will drive to Mandalay Hill vegetables, along with a handful and pleasurable drive. to see the sunset over Burma’s Mandalay Hill Resort (*****) of stalls selling Burmese string last royal capital. Our dinner will puppets. As we approach Mandalay the be in a small restaurant where scenery changes and flattens we enjoy a mix of Western and As we leave Nyaungshwe, we as we emerge onto the plains Burmese fusion cuisine. will stop at the charming red- of Mandalay Division. painted Shwe Yan Pyay teak monastery, built in the early 19th century. It provides a home for boys from poor families around the region and provides them with education and meals.
After arriving in Pindaya, a small town of ethnic Danu people in a fertile valley bordered by mountains, we check into our rustic but charming inn. Then we can take a leisurely walk around Ponetaloke Lake and visit p91 Day 10 Day 11 Explore the many Drive past small Driving Distance & Duration villages to the most Driving Distance & Duration sights of Mandalay Depending on your chosen Distance: 200 km activity important Nat Today you can explore the form a procession as they pilgrimage site Duration: 6 hours many highlights of Mandalay, go to take their noon meal – of an extinct volcano and is an either heading out on your the last of the day for them. Elevation Today you will enjoy a beautiful Elevation own (our guides and hosts After visiting U-Bein bridge Highest Daytime: 100m drive through the countryside important center for Burma’s Highest Daytime: 1000m will be happy to help you it is worth strolling along the Overnight: 21m of Mandalay Division. While nat worship. This distinctive, plan your day), or joining our different workshops Mandalay the landscape is flat, the rural steep-sided mountain is Overnight: 1000m programme. We have planned has to offer as it is known as Hotel scenery is never boring, with considered to be the abode of the 37 nats or spirits. a leisurely breakfast followed the center for many of Burma’s Mandalay Hill Resort (*****) its ox carts and rice fields. It Hotel by a chauffeured drive to artisan crafts - working in is a leisurely drive and we will Mount Popa Resort (****) Sagaing or Amarapura, the marble, stone, gold and teak enjoy some interesting stops en The hotel we have selected “City of Immortals”, where wood or making puppets just to route. tonight is a beautiful lodge we will visit the 150-year old name a few. at Mount Popa with a perfect Mahagandayon Monastery Our overnight stop, Mount sunset view over Taung Kalat and famous Buddhist End the day with a dinner Popa, was formed in the cone monastery. learning center. It is home to in one of our favorite local a thousand monks, who will Burmese restaurants.
p92 p93 Day 12 vintage ox-driven press, and how to apply Burmese thanaka Visit a local village paste. From here it is another and learn how to half hour drive to Bagan. make thanaka on the way to Bagan After checking into our hotel and eating lunch, you can For those who would like explore a few of the 2,200 to start the day with a bit of temples and pagodas that litter exercise, it is possible to make the region. In the early evening the 20-minute walk from the we set off to watch the sunset Driving Distance & Duration hotel to Taung Kalat Hill and from Bagan’s most picturesque Distance: 60 km spot. Tonight we have a nice then up the 777 steps to the Duration: 2 hours hilltop monastery. Make sure local dinner in Old Bagan. you don’t take your breakfast with you, as you may end up Elevation “donating” it to the troops of Highest Daytime: 1000m macaques that live around the Overnight: 139m monastery.
After the climb our team Hotel will pick you up from the Bagan Lodge Hotel (****) bottom of the mountain and we will return to the hotel for breakfast before departing for Bagan. On the way to Bagan we will visit a village, which offers a fascinating glimpse of local life. Shortly before arriving in Bagan we make another stop at a workshop – while this may be touristy it still makes a fun break from the road. Here, we will learn how sesame and peanut oil are made using a p95 Day 13 Visit the most significant temples of Bagan
Today we have a whole day to The rest of the day is very explore Bagan, a vast plain that flexible and we recommend you once sat at the heart of the to explore the many temples and Kingdom of Pagan, which ruled pagodas by horse cart. this region of Burma between the 9th and 13th centuries. In the evening we meet for a Driving Distance & Duration At its height, between the dinner at a local restaurant. Depending on your chosen 11th and 13th centuries, over Please note, breakfast and activity ten thousand monasteries, dinner are included in the tour pagodas and temples thrived in price, lunch is not included Elevation the devoutly Buddhist kingdom. today. Highest Daytime: 100m Overnight: 75m Our day here starts with an optional sunrise drive or you may wish to take the jaw- Hotel dropping balloon ride (not Bagan Lodge Hotel (****) included in our package) over Bagan to get a sense of the site’s vast scale. Then we will have a shopping stop at Nyaung U’s colorful market before returning to the hotel for breakfast.
p96 p97 Day 14 We will arrive in Magwe in Day 15 Cross the Irrawaddy time to see the sunset over the A beautiful drive Irrawaddy and you will enjoy Driving Distance & Duration Driving Distance & Duration and stop at some of a local dinner near the hotel. through rural scenery Distance: 188 km Distance: 200 km Tonight’s riverside hotel is the the region’s hidden Duration: 6 hours – past ox carts and temples most basic on this journey, but cotton plantations Duration: 6 hours it is the best available in this Elevation One of our favorite drives on small town. Toady’s drive might feel similar colonialists – apparently unable Elevation Highest Daytime: 60m to many roads we have driven to deal with either name – called this journey, the route today Highest Daytime: 60m leads through the rural area Overnight: 60m already on this journey, but it Prome. along the west bank of the eagle-eyed travellers will still Overnight: 30m Whatever you decide to call it, Irrawaddy, a little-visited region Hotel be able to find something fresh soak up this town’s atmosphere of pretty villages and remote Nan Thike Thu Hotel, Magwe and new on the roadsides. Hotel temples. We may attract a Cotton grows along the road, and prepare for the long drive (*) Mingalar Garden Resort, Pyay police entourage at this point for example, the plants looking ahead of you tomorrow. (**) of the journey, because so like little flowers. Closer to Please note, hotel choices here are few visitors use this road to Pyay the road gets busier as also limited. We have again chosen Magwe! Pyay is an important transit the best available. point for goods between Upper From Bagan we drive south and Lower Burma and due to towards Chauk. From Chauk its location on the Yangon– we cross the Irrawaddy from Bagan highway. the east bank to the west and Pyay’s glory days date from the road that will lead us on to the ancient Pyu capital of the small town of Salin. Rice Thayekhittaya, the partially fields, livestock and riverine excavated remains of which life can all be watched as you lie 7km east of Pyay’s other cruise along. After stopping in stellar attraction: the dazzling Salin for lunch, we drive on to Shwesandaw pagoda. Lagaing, with its concealed old wooden teak monastery, and The Burmese switch between Sagu where we will stop at a two pronunciations of the school for monks housed in an town’s name: ‘Pyay’ and ‘Pyi’. old monastery. In British Burma, the British p98 p99 Day 16 Day 17 Travel on winding Driving Distance & Duration Back to real life? Or roads across the Distance: 235 km linger here awhile Rakhine mountain Duration: 9 hours longer? range Elevation Some of you will have to fly Our last driving day is also the flat and very fertile, and our Highest Daytime: 1600m home today because, after all, third of our journey’s three route runs past rice fields, Overnight: 141m life must go on. We will transfer you to the airport in Thandwe, longest drives. Almost the banana trees and cashew nuts Hotel from where you will fly to whole day will be spent on as we approach Thandwe and Ngapali Bay Villas & Spa Yangon. In Yangon our tour winding mountain roads across Ngapali Beach. (*****) the Arakan Mountains. The comes to an end, leaving you road finally flattens out for the The hotel you are staying is at to continue your journey as per last two hours as we finally one of the best locations along your own arrangements. draw closer to the ocean. The the beach and – with a well- Arakan Mountains separate the earned cocktail in hand – you On the other hand, if you can coast of Rakhine State from the can watch the sunset over the spare an extra day or two, why Central Burma Basin. Bay of Bengal before we meet not stay on and explore the for a farewell seafood dinner area around Ngapali? Whether This scenic drive leads through on the beach. you choose to go snorkeling, small mountain villages and kayaking, visiting fishing an impoverished primary villages or prefer relaxing on school, which we can visit on the pristine sands, an extension our way. Unfortunately – as is thoroughly worthwhile. We in so many other parts of are happy to assist you with an Burma, deforestation has extension of your stay. had a considerable impact on this region’s scenery, but this Regardless of how your trip drive is still a fantastic one. ends, we hope that you will When we have left the winding leave us refreshed and with roads behind us, we come to many new memories of your the sleepy town of Taungup. exotic journey from the Golden Beyond Taungup the scenery Triangle to the Bay of Bengal. changes, the land becomes p100 p101 Choice of Cars
We include in the package price Also, they reinforce the feeling an SUV we procure from Avis of adventure, exploration and or Hertz or another reputable discovery…which is, in the car rental company. Most of end, the mood of journeys in the SUVs are Toyotas, but on this region, no matter how occasion Mitsubishis or other comfortable or even luxurious brands may also make an the night’s hotel may be. appearance. What’s more, they offer We wish the car rental markets sufficient clearance when of South-east Asia would be required and thus add a sense more developed and we could of safety and all-round ability. give you more choice, but this is not so: since we want to And so SUVs from reputable provide well-maintained and brands are our car of choice! well insured cars, the choice is rather limited.
But SUVs are in fact the right choice for driving journeys in this part of the world because they are spacious enough to accommodate a lot of luggage, ANY car, photography equipment, and good-and-bad-weather gear. as long as it is an SUV” p102 p103 Adventures and Discoveries in Local Cuisines
While this itinerary is not one of evening when it will be less our ‘Foodie’-themed journeys, fresh. For evening meals, we do believe that each one of many Burmese people prefer our journeys should introduce Chinese food, as it is freshly you not only to hidden gems of cooked to order. You will enjoy cultural and scenic beauty, but a combination of these two that sampling local cuisines is styles on your journey. also a must. Wine and beer is always In Burma this means a mixture included in our meals for you of Burmese and Chinese to enjoy. (When we travel into food. While local people rely high-altitude, we suggest on noodles and salads for moderation!) breakfast and snacks, main meals are based around Finally, if you have special various curries prepared dietary requirements are fresh each morning, selected particularly interested in the from a buffet and served with culinary aspect of one of our side dishes. Thanks to the journeys, please let us know. country’s unreliable electricity supply, refrigeration is not yet For private journeys, we can, widespread in Burma, and of course, tailor the meal for this reason many local experience to your taste (and people prefer to eat curry at budget). lunchtime, rather than in the
p104 p105 What’s Included / Best Months to Go...
Generally speaking, our journey packages and anti-bacterial gel and basic toiletries, and a prices are all-inclusive. Once you’ve paid and daily picnic basket containing fresh fruit, fruit you arrive at the starting point, you really won’t juice, water, and a mixture of sweets and have to take out your wallet again. nibbles
• Cars – a modern SUV is provided for all • Other Essentials – we provide each car with driving days, expertly maintained and walky-talkies serviced by Avis, Hertz, or other reputable car rental companies, and covered by the • Travel Insurance – including 24-hour medical best insurance available. The sending of assistance, evacuation and repatriation the cars from Ngapali back to Chiang Mai, emergency service Thailand is included as well. • Tips & Entrance Fees – basic tips and entrance fees for jointly attended activities are • International Journey Host, Guide and included Support Vehicle – you will be accompanied by a registered Burmese tour guide, an On the • Activities, Meals, Transport during ‘free times’ Road Experiences host and a fully equipped as indicated in this Journey Dossier lead car with a local support driver. In Burma we are also required to have 1 government • Top-up Collision Damage Waiver insurance minder in the lead car. • Routes – A well-researched itinerary and • Fuel & Tolls & Parking – we provide petrol for • Hotels – the best available or five-star carefully crafted journey experience. You the car throughout the journey, pay all tolls and accommodation is included in each overnight What’s Not Included will receive a detailed route book before your all parking fees stop departure. We will also supply each car with a • Airport Transfers – all airport transfers are • Meals – breakfast (a choice of Western and The only items not included in our prices pre-programmed GPS and printed maps. (The included Local is provided), and lunch and dinner are are your flights to Chiang Mai and back from GPS maps are not yet ideal in Burma, though.) included on all driving days, as are drinks Yangon, your Thailand and Burma visa and • Flights – Flight from Thandwe (Ngapali) to Meals on non-driving days as specified above. personal purchases (e.g., gifts, souvenirs) • Driving License – All arrangements, fees and Yangon and your flight from Yangon to Inle Lake Prepare for a culinary adventure! permits for driving in Thailand and Burma are (12- day journey) are included included • Goodies – you will enjoy an On the Road Home- • Permits and logistics – all entry, border Away-from-Home Kit containing wet towels, crossing and road permits are included. p106 p107 Photo Credits
© Anantara Chiang Mai - page 12 © Hpa An Lodge - page 20 © Htein Linn - Front & Back Cover, pages 3, 4, 10, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 64, 76, 78, 82-83, 84-85, 86-87, 88-89, 90-91, 92-93, 95, 97, 99, 106, 109 © Mareen Windsch - pages 66, 70, 72, 81, 98 © Nancy Wu - pages 8, 14, 40, 42, 60, 62, 68, 96, 102-103 © Ngapali Bay Villas - page 74 © Peter Schindler - pages 100, 104-105 © Ron Yue - page 48
p108 p109 Contact Us
E-mail [email protected]
Main office Telephone: +852 3106 4839 Fax: +852 3012 1251
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A picture is worth a thousand words. True, but when it comes to a road journey, moving images are priceless. Please visit : http://www.ontheroadexperiences.com/en/video-gallery” p110 p111